Thrift stores are one of my favourite places. I almost always find something unusual when I visit one. An afternoon browse through one in Sidney, BC last summer turned up an interesting brooch. It said “steampunk” as soon as I saw it.

It was languishing underneath some other prettier pieces, forgotten by most. Lucky me! I brought it home and left it on my workbench.

Time passed. A month or so later I took it apart — it had several pieces attached to it giving it a bulky look. I took them all off and began playing with possibilities. Nothing worked. So I set it aside again.

A couple of weeks ago I dug it out and draped some chain around it. Aha! I found my design.

Renewal

Renewal

I reattached one of the original pieces — the metal heart — to balance the look. And instead of having the clasp at the back I used two lobster clasps at the front. I like it. ;-)

Winter still hanging on? Icicles on the eaves? Snow in the driveway? Mitts and toques still your clothes of choice for a trip to the store?

Luckily I find myself in warmer climes right now — but we’ll soon be back in The Great White North. So maybe that’s why I picked the brightest colours I could find for this necklace. Can’t help but smile each time I pick it up to work on it.

The pattern is my variation of one of Varvara’s from her book Coraling Technique. 

IMG_1416

Both the colours and the pattern remind me of the bright flowing skirts of the Mexican folkloric ballet dancers.

I’m enjoying working with this palette so much I may just have to do some earrings. And perhaps a bracelet. And if there are enough beads, maybe an anklet … ;-)

Simple says it all with this necklace and earring set. The figaro chain and brightly coloured beads make a pleasing combination that could go casual or dressy.

The glass beads are hung on silver-plated chain and ear wires. The necklace is adjustable with a handmade S-clasp.

The colors make me think of sunshine and berries with a hint of creme de menthe thrown in for good measure. ;-)

One of the first beading projects I tackled was a pair of earrings. The woman who taught me called it Cherokee Weave. It took practice and perseverance but I finally mastered the stitch.

It’s been a favourite ever since — I love to wear dangly things. And so do many of the women who buy my work.

Here’s a variation on the original theme.

IMG_8909

The earrings were made on tear drop forms with size 11 Japanese seed beads. The thread is a multi-coloured quilting thread, which produces a nice colour gradation.

There is something so rich-looking about fire opal Swarovskis — which is probably why I use them in several of my pieces.

This bracelet is done in diamond stitch. I’ve seen the design using faceted glass beads but none with bicones — of the two I prefer the bicone style.

Diamond Fire

I also used my favourite magnetic clasp. Sad story about these. I went back to my supplier and they no longer carry them. If you know where I could source more, I’d be grateful. :-)

Sometimes less really is more. This necklace and earring set has few components but it has an elegant look.

The necklace has a spring clasp. Small jump rings join the two strands at the front.

Amber Drops - Necklace

Light coming through the amber-coloured beads creates a warm glow.

Amber Drops - Earrings

Yup, I like ‘em. ;-)

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